- A
Verify that the VPN server's firewall is allowing UDP port 500 and 4500.
Why wrong: Firewall rules affect connectivity, but the user can already ping the server, so the network path is open. Authentication errors are not caused by firewall rules.
- B
Check if the user's account is locked out or if the password has expired.
An authentication error directly indicates a problem with the user's credentials. Locked accounts or expired passwords are common causes.
- C
Reinstall the VPN client software on the user's computer.
Why wrong: Reinstalling the client is unnecessary; the client is connecting to the server (ping works), so the issue is not with the client software.
- D
Configure the VPN to use a different encryption protocol.
Why wrong: Changing encryption protocols would not resolve an authentication error; it might cause a different type of failure.
220-1102 Remote Access Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access technologies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a remote user's inability to connect to the office network via VPN. The user can ping the VPN server's public IP address but the VPN connection fails after entering credentials. The VPN logs show an authentication error. What should the technician check next?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Check if the user's account is locked out or if the password has expired.
The VPN logs show an authentication error, which indicates the failure occurs during the credential validation phase, not during network connectivity. Since the user can ping the VPN server's public IP, Layer 3 connectivity is intact, and the issue is likely with the user's account status. Checking if the account is locked out or the password has expired directly addresses the authentication failure.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Verify that the VPN server's firewall is allowing UDP port 500 and 4500.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules affect connectivity, but the user can already ping the server, so the network path is open. Authentication errors are not caused by firewall rules.
- ✓
Check if the user's account is locked out or if the password has expired.
Why this is correct
An authentication error directly indicates a problem with the user's credentials. Locked accounts or expired passwords are common causes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reinstall the VPN client software on the user's computer.
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the client is unnecessary; the client is connecting to the server (ping works), so the issue is not with the client software.
- ✗
Configure the VPN to use a different encryption protocol.
Why it's wrong here
Changing encryption protocols would not resolve an authentication error; it might cause a different type of failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between connectivity issues (Layer 3 reachability) and authentication issues (Layer 7 credential validation), leading candidates to incorrectly focus on firewall ports or client software when the logs clearly point to an authentication failure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Authentication errors in VPN connections often stem from Active Directory account lockout policies or password expiration, which are checked by the RADIUS or LDAP server during the authentication phase. The technician should verify the user's account status in the domain controller using tools like `net user` or Active Directory Users and Computers, and check the VPN server's authentication logs for specific error codes like 691 (invalid credentials) or 734 (PPP link control protocol failure).
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check if the user's account is locked out or if the password has expired. — The VPN logs show an authentication error, which indicates the failure occurs during the credential validation phase, not during network connectivity. Since the user can ping the VPN server's public IP, Layer 3 connectivity is intact, and the issue is likely with the user's account status. Checking if the account is locked out or the password has expired directly addresses the authentication failure.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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